ORLEANS, MASS. (WHDH) - Cape Cod fire chiefs said they’re concerned about ambulance staff levels as tourists flock to the area for the summer.
“I’d say it’s a crisis. It’s a crisis all through Cape Cod,” said Orleans Fire Chief Geof Deering. “It’s always been challenging as long as I’ve been here, but this is the worst I’ve ever seen it.”
Calls for ambulances are up during the summer season, but Cape departments are stretched to their limit. Deering said fewer available EMTs and fire personnel strains the area’s mutual aid system. People have applied for positions but the hiring process is slow and methodical, further slowing down the process.
“I’m hoping (things) get far better before they get worse, but we’ve gotta work (to) get more resources, get more people ready for these types of calls” Deering said.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)